Manifolding attachment fob



Mar. 13, 1923. 1,448,334.

M, L- COSSITT.

- MANIFOLDING ATTACHMENT FOR TYPEWRITERS.

mso JUNE 8. 1922. 1 SHEETS-SHEET h 7 Ever 7 Mar. 13, 1923.

- 1,448,334. Ml LI 'MANIFOLDING ATTACHMENT FOR TYPEWRITERS.

FILED JUNEB, 1922- 3 SHEETS-SHEET 2- Mar. 13,1923. 1,448,334.

- V M. L. COSSITT. MANIFOLDING ATTACHMENT FOR TYPEWBITERS mm JUNEB, 1922. s sums sum a.

J52 veJj d 01 atlomeya.

Patented Mar. 13, 1923.

UNITED STATES 1,448,334 PALFENT OFFIQE.

MALCOLM L. COSSITT, OF ALAIMEDA, CALIFORNIA, ASSIGNOR 'I'O MANIFOLD IMPRESSIONS CORPORATION, OF CARSON CITY, NEVADA, A COR-FORATTON OF NEVADA.

MANIFOLDING ATTACHMENT FOE TYPEWRITERS.

Application filed June 8,

To all whom it may concern Be it known that I, MALCOLM L. Cossrr'r,

a citizen of the United States, residing at Alameda, in the county of Alameda and State of California, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Manifolding Attachments for Typewriters, of which the following is a specification.

My invention relates to that class of manifolding attachments for typewriters, and like typing machines, in which a plurality of movable arms are mounted on the platen carriage of the machine, and are adapted to carry their associated manifolding ribbons to and from functional position in the line I of type impact.

The objects of my invention are to provide simple and effective means for selectively and independently moving said arms; to hold said arms against accidental displacement at their limits of movement; and to adjust the manifolding ribbons in the direction oftheir width when in functional posi tion, at each line spacing movement of the machine platen.

To these ends my invention consists in the novel manifolding attachment which I shall hereinafter fully describe by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which- Fig. 1 is a top plan view of my manifolding attachment, showing the manifolding ribbons in functional position.

Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the same on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a section on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2, the ribbons, however, being shown elevated to a position out of use.

Fig. 4 is a section on the line 4 -4 of Fig. 2, the ribbons being shown depressed to functional position. 7

Fig. 5 is a side elevation of the ribbon selective mechanism, showing the position when all the ribbon carrying arms are elevated and limited by the back stop, with the pawl engaging the stud of the foremost arm.

Fig. 6, is an elevation similar to Fig. 5, theback stop 25 being omitted.

Fig. 7 is an elevation similar to Fig. 6, with the pawl advanced to carry the stud of the foremost ribbon carrying arm forwardly to functional position.

Fig. 8 is an elevation of the ribbon selective mechanism showing the pawl thrown 1922. Serial No. 566,717.

back to engage the stud of the rearinost ribbon carry1ng arm, the two preceding arms having been thrown forward.

Fig. 9 is a sideelevation of the selective pawl, and its controlling cam plate 20.

Fig. 10 1s a perspective view of the camplate 20 and back stop 25.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the selective pawl.

Fig. 12 is a perspective view of the nested ribbon-carrying arms. I

Fig. 13 is a perspective view of the looking plate 22 with its resilient tongues 23 and 24. i

Fig. 14 is an elevation showing a modification with respect to the omission of the nested sleeves which carry the ribbon arms and the substitution of the selective pawl at both ends, to effect the movement in unison of said arms.

1 is the platen carriage of a typewriter, 2 the platen, 3 the platen shaft, 4 the turning knob of the platen shaft, and 5 is one of the type levers of the machine indicating the line of type impact, Figs. 1 and 4. In the ends of the platen-carriage is rotatably mounted a shaft 6, having a turning knob 7.

Upon the shaft 6 are carried nested sleeves mounted for independentrotation about the shaft as an axis. These sleeves may be in anv number three being here shown, for illustration, Fig. 2, the outermost being designated by 8, the middle one by 8 and the innermost one by 8".

Carried by the outer sleeve 8 are the arms 9 one at each end. Arms 9 are similarly carried by theends of sleeve 8 and arms 9" are carried by the sleeve S-Fig. 12. The several arms at each end are preferably in superposed, nested relation, as seen in Fig. 12, and each pair carries a manifolding ribbon 10, 10 and 1.0 respectively, indicated by dotted lines in Fig. 1. The relation of the arms to the platen is such that by moving them forward their respective manifolding ribbons are carried into functional position in the line of type impact, as seen in Figs. 1. 2 and 4, and by moving them back the ribbons are carried up out of the way, as in Fig. 3. In order to selectively throw one or more of the ribbons into and out of use, the following operating mechanism is provided. Extending laterally from each of crank 12 to which is pivoted a pawl 13 having at its extremity a tongue 14: with a shoulder 15 at its base. F ii. 11.

coil spring 16 is associated with the pawl 13 in such manner that its tension is increased as the pawl is moved on its pivot towards the shaft,thereby tending constantly to throw said pawl outwardly from said shaft. When the pawl is closest to the shaft, as in Fig. 5, its tongue 14; is adapted to describe an arcuate path immediately within and contiguous to the arcuate path of the first or innermost stud 11, and its shoulder 15 lies directly in thepath of said stud-Figs. 5 and 6. The first outward movement of the pawl about its pivot, due to its spring 16, carries it into similar relation to the second stud 11, and its final outward movement throws it into similar rela tion with the third stud 11", as seen in Fig. 8.

Therefore, assuming the pawl to be in its first or innermost position, as in Figs. 5 and 6, with its tongue just inside of and in contact with the first stud 11, whereby its position is maintained against the tendency of the spring 16 to throw it out, a rotation of the shaft 6 to the right, as viewed in Figs. 5 and 6, will carry the pawl up until its shoulder 15 contacts with said stud 11 and picks it up and carries the pair of arms 9 to which said stud belongs forward, which movement thus carries the manifolding ribbon 10, stretched between said arms, down to functional position in the line of type impact. When this position is reached, 'as seen in Fig. 7 if then the shaft 6 is turned back, that is to the left, the shoulder and tongue of the pawl will leave the stud where it is, but the moment the tongue is free of saidstud, the spring-16 will throw the pawl outwardly to the limit of its tension effect,

and continued reverse travel of said thrown out pawl, due to the reversal of movement of the shaft, will carry the back of the pawl into contact with the second stud 11. The pawl, then riding down on said second stud, is forced inwardly, and when the shoulder 15 is reached, said shoulder will spring under said stud, and the tongue of the pawl will contact with the stud, and its outward movement be thus again arrested. The pawl is now engaging the stud 11', and thereupon a renewal of the forward rotation of shaft 6 will cause the pawl tocarry forward t'hesecond pair of arms 9' and thus Inovethe ribbon they carry to its functional Figs. 5 to 9 and position. A similar operation will, in like manner, carry forward the third pair of arms 9 with their ribbon, as is indicated by the position shown in Fig. 8. In order to move one or more of the ribbons back to non-functional position, there is a lifting arm 17 carried by the crank 12 on the shaft 6, and extending therefrom at approximately right angles from the said crank, Figs; 5 to 9.

If, now, all of the ribbon carrying arms have been moved forward to place their ribbons in functional position, the lifting arm 17, upon turning the shaft 6 in the reverse direction, that is to the left, will rise up under the stud 11 of the first ribbon carrying arm and will thereby lift said stud up again, and as the ribbon arm of said stud rises, it will carry up with it the superposed remaining arms withtheir ribbons. This is shown by the dotted lines in Fig. 8. Or, if only one of the manifolding ribbons is down in functional position, the lifting arm 17 will function to move it back, likewise if only two ribbons are down, they will similarly be moved back.

Moreover, if two or more of the ribbons are required to be moved down to place at once, it is not necessary to move each down to its full limit before returning for the next one, for if a preceding one be moved slightly forward, and the pawl then moved back it will engage the stud of the succeeding arm or arms andthen all may be moved down together by the action of the pawl on the last stud.

It is now in order to describe the automatic return of the pawl to its first or closein position, and its control during the time when it is not held by its engagement with the studs, as, for example, when itis describing its lower arc of movement accompanying the lifting arm when the latter is functioning.

18-Figs. 9 and 10 is a fixed cam track formed in a plate 20 to be presently described. This track lies below and is eccene trio to the shaft 6. Upon the inner face of the pawl 12 is a lug 19-Fig. 11, so positioned that its release from contact with the cam track 18, Fig. 9, overlaps in point of time the engagement of the pawltongue 14 with the studs 11, 11 and 11"Figs. 5 and 6. r 7

Assuming now that all the studshave been thrown forward by the pawl, and that the shaft 6 has been reversed to the left in order to carry its lifting arm 17 up to the studs from behind to return them. The pawl, during the beginning of this reversal having been released from the studshas sprung back to its outermost position-Fig. 8, but while the arm 17 is lifting the studs, the lug 19 of the pawl 12 reaches the cam-track 'isand traveling thereon, the pawl is gradually forced towards and finally "t its close-in position, and so remains until thestudsreach their back limit, 1 i

Then the shaft 6 being turned forwardly again, that is to the right, the lifting arm 17 leaves the studs, and the lug 19 of the pawl, traveling back on the cam track 18, said pawl is still held in its close-in relation. This position is maintained untilthe tongue of the pawl pames in front of and against the first stud, asinFigs. and 6, and the control of the pawl being; thus transferred to the stud, said pawl is releasedfrom the control of the cam track due to the, passing of its lug 19from the cam track, and the pawl is then free to function as heretofore described. The selective pawl mechanism thus disclosed operates conveniently and is well housed between two plates which in addition have the following function. V i i The main or cam-plate, indicated by 20Figs. 3 and 4:, is at one end pivotally,

mounted on the shaft 6 adapting it for slight oscillation, which is due to a cam 21 on the axis of the platen, over which cam the other endof the plate is yoked Figs. 3 to 8. The

other plate 22is carried by the main plate in spaced parallel relation theretoFigs. 1 and 2. It is formed with a rear series of springy latch tongues 23 and afront series of similar tongues 24, these tongues being adapted to resiliently, detachably or releasably engage the ends of the several studs 11, 11', 11" of the ribbon carrying arms, when said studs are at the limits. forward orb'ack as indicated in Figs 5 to' 8, thereby holding the arms against accidental movement. In addition to. this function said holding tongues have the further desirable effect, in conjunction with the oscillatory main plate 20 of adjusting the manifolding ribbons with respect to their width, since, at each line spacing of the platen, theplaten cam 21 actingon said plate 20 will step by step slightly lift and lower the plate, so that the tongues 23 and 24 of the connected plate 22 engaging the studs of the ribbon carrying arms will slightly alter the position of the ribbons. When, therefore, the ribbons are functioning, they are slightly moved in the direction of their width, at each line spacing of the platen, thereby enabling them to present different lines of their surface throughout their width. to the action of the 21' type, and thus materially increase their useful life. In Figs. 5 and 6-25 is a back stop carried by the plate 20, to limit the backward movement of'the studs, when the ribbon carrying arms are elevated.

I have thus far described my invention as contemplating the employment of a plurality of nested sleeves in order to adapt the members of each pair of ribbon. carrying to operate in unison from one selective pawl mechanism. "It will be seen, however, by

chine for independent movement about a common axis; manifolding ribbons associated with said arms adapted by their movement to be carried toand from functional position in the line of 'type impact; a shaft mounted for independent vrotation in the axis of movement of the arms; and a spring controlled pawl pivotally carried by the shaft, and adapted by its movement on its pivotal connection to selectively engage the arms to move them to position.

2. A manifolding attachment forv type writers comprising a plurality of arms mounted on the platen carriage of the machine for independent movement about a common axis; manifolding ribbons associated with said arms adapted by their movement to be carried to and from functional position in the line ,of type impact; a. shaft mounted for independent rotation in the axis of movement of -the arms; a spring controlled pawl pivotally carried by the. shaft and adapted by its movement on its pivotal connection to selectively engage the arms to move them to position; and

means acting on said pawlto restore it to common axis, said arms having laterally projecting studs; manifolding ribbons associated with said arms adapted by their movement to be carried to and from functional position in the line of type impact; a shaft mounted for independent rotation in the axis of movement of the arms; and a spring controlled pawl. pivotally carried by the shaft, and having ashouldered tongue adapted by its movement on its pivotal connection to selectively engage the studs of the armsto move said arms to position.

4. A manifolding attachment for typewriters comprising a plurality of arms mounted on the platen carriage of themachine for independent movement about a common axis; saidarms having laterally projecting studs; manifolding ribbons associated with said arms adapted by their movement to be carried to and from functienal Posit n n he l (if yp pa al shaft mounted for independent rotation in the of movement of the arms; a spring ontrolled ra l p t v err d y the shaft, and having a shouldered tongue adapted by'its movement on its pivotal conne ion vto sele ti e y ngage t e Studs o the arms to move said arms to position; and a cam-track with which said pawl en gages to restore it to and hold .it in engaging position when free of the arms.

A fold ns "attachmen i/P writers comprising a plurality of' arms mounted on the platen. carriage of themaehine for independent movement about a common axis; mani'folding ribbons associated with said arms, adapted by their movementto be carried to and from functi n l po iti n i he in of yp mpact; a shaft mounted for independent rotation in the axis of movement of said arms; a spring contr'olled pawl pivot-ally carried by said shaftand adapted by its movement on its pviotal connection to selectively engage said arms to move them to position; a member carried by the shaft adapted to engage said arms to return them; and means for restoring said pawl to and holding it in its engaging position when free of the arms, during their return movement.

A mani ld ns atta hmen fo type writers comprising a plurality of 7 arms mounted on theplaten carriage of the machine for independent movement about a common axis, said arms having laterally projecting studs; manifolding ribbons asseiet with s d rms, a pt d. by t e movem t t be carr t an om functio l position in the i e of yp mpact; a shaft mounted for independent rotation n th a f m ement o the a m a eries o t olled p p v a lv ca ied y the shaft and having a shouldered tongue, adapted by its movement on its pivotal con nection to selectively engage the studs of h a m to, mo said a s o pos io a lifting arm carried by the shaft adapted to engage the studs of the ribbon Carrying arms to return them; and acamrtrack with wh ch a d pawl engages to restore it to and hold it in engaging position when free of the studs during the return movement of th rm 7. A man folding attachment for type:

r er ompris g a p ura ity o arms mounted on the platen carriage of the ma chine for independent movement about a common axis, said arms having laterally projecting studs; manifolding ribbons associ: ated with said arms adapted by their movement to be carried to and from functional position in the line of type impact; a shaft mounted for independent rotation in the axisof movement of the arms; a spring conselectively engage the studs of the arms to move said arms to position; a lifting arm carried by the shaft and adapted to engage said studs'to return the ribbon carrying arms, and a plate formed with latch tongues to resiliently engage saidstuds at their limits of movement 8. A manifolding attachment for type- Writers comprising a plurality .of' arms mounted on the platen carriage of the machine cforindepe'ndent movement about a common axis, said arms having laterally projecting studs; manifolding ribbons associated with said arms adapted by their movement to be carried to and from funotional position in the line of type impact; a shaft mounted for independent rotation in the axis of movement of the arms; a spring controlled pawl pivot'ally carried by the shaft and having a shouldered tongue adapted by its movement on its pivotal connection to selectively engage the studs of the arms to move said arms to position; a lifting arm carried by the shaft and adapted to engage said studs to return the ribbon carryingrarms a plate pivotally carried on said haf a am o th a of h plat n o h machine over which the said plate is yoked adapting it for oscillation at each line spacng' ov ment o the plat a d a ec nd plate carried by the first named plate in spaced relation. thereto, said second plate being f rmed w th l t h ng to resiliently engage said studs at their limits of movement.

9. A manifolding attachment for type- Writers comprising a plurality of arms mounted on the platen carriage of, the machine for independent movement about a common axis, said arms having laterally projecting studs; manifolding ribbons associated with said-arms adapted by their move' ment to be carried to and from functional positionin theline of type impact; a shaft mounted for independent rotation, in the axis of movement of the arms; a spring con: trolled pawl pivotally carried by the. shaft andhaving shouldered tongue adapted by its movement on its pivotalconnection to seleetivelyi engage the studs of the arms to move said arms to position; a lifting arm carried by the shaft and adapted to engage said studs to return the ribbon carrying a m pla -e f rm d i h l tch tongue f0 resilientlyengage said studs at their limits of movement, and a oamst rack with which said pawl engages to restore it to and hold it in engagingposition when free of the studs during the return movement, of the arms. i i a 0- A meni o cl ng a achment for ty e- Writers os-resins plurality o arms mounted on the platen carriage of the machine for independent movement about a c0mm0n axis, said arms having laterally projecting studs; manifolding ribbons associated with said arms adapted by their movement to be carried to and from functional position in the line of type impact; a shaft mounted for independent rotation in the axis of movement of the arms; a spring controlled pawl pivotally carried by the shaft and having a shouldered tongue adapted by its movement on its pivotal connection to selectively engage the studs of the arms to move said arms to position; a lifting arm carried by the shaft and adapted to engage said studs to return the ribbon carrying arms; a plate pivotally carried on said shaft; a cam on the axis of the laten of the machine over which the said p ate is yoked adapting it for oscillation at each line spacing movement of the platen; a sec-. ond plate carried by the first named plate in spaced relation thereto, said second plate being formed with latch tongues to resiliently engage said studs at their limits of movement, and a cam-track on said first named plate, with which said pawl engages to restore it to and hold it in engaging position when free of the'studs during the return movement of the arms.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification.

MALCOLM L. oossrrr. 

